Almighty: Allmachtig

by P.G.R. Wright

Just before the outbreak of World War II, Fabienne, a young German girl flees her abusive, widowed father and takes a job, caring for disabled children in a home on the outskirts of Berlin. When Jurgen, a young soldier, turns up on the doorstep of the home, asking if he can take Fabienne to the local dance, the women running the organisation agree, against their better judgement. Soon the young couple are in love.

With the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party, comes persecution of anyone seen to be “inferior to the German master race”. This includes children with disabilities and Fabienne and the women flee the Nazi wrath, taking the vulnerable children with them on an epic journey across Germany. Some will survive the Nazi punishments, others will not. But in the background is her relationship with Jurgen. Will he stay loyal or betray her to his masters in the Nazi party?

When she hears that her father is in jail, awaiting the death penalty for murder, she is forced to come out of hiding to visit him and make her peace. The risk is enormous, but in doing so, Fabienne learns some extraordinary news, which changes the course of her life.

310 pages, ebook

First published March 4, 2019

Reviews

[Anita Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very enjoyable, easy to read, full of twists and turns that keeps you hooked so that you can not put it down, it is well written and it has got very likeable characters. It is a must read, it is just my kind of book, don’t miss out by not reading it.

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is impossible to put down. Yet the subject matter is hard to read. It tell the little known story of the disabled children and young people in Hitler's Germany and how they were murdered in the name of Nazi racial purity.
The author tells this story through the eyes of Fabienne, a young German girl who works in a home for disabled children. He has successfully crafted the real-life events with the fictional characters and told a tale of love, heroism, death and life in his novel.
I especially enjoyed how he intertwined the pasts and presents of the characters and how their lives came together, and how events in their youth defined some of their actions for both good and bad.
This is an excellent novel and I highly recommend it.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almighty: Allmachtig is an emotional read that takes place in Germany just before the outbreak of WWII. The characters are well developed, strong, and courageous. The storyline is well written and emotional. It captured my interest and kept me on the edge of my seat with the history, drama, betrayal, suspense, and love.

I would love to read more books by this author.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about this time period and those who struggled against their world order. Taking care of children with disabilities is my later life's work (after serving in the military) and so this story has a great place in my heart. There is some heartbreak for sure but the story is so worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rajendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book only because of my interest in history and the happenings during world war II. But the book had more to it than just history, it also has a lot of suspense that kept me glued to the book till I completed it. This is the main reason I'm giving 5 star to this book. Since, it does not only take you through history, but entertains you with some love, suspense and betrayal. I love this book and want to know what happens further and am just waiting for the author to let me through the final phases of this thrilling book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Germany, 1939, and Adolf Hitler is in power. Fabienne escapes from being a work-slave for an uncaring father into a job as a live-in carer at a home for disabled children; you can see where this is going.

The story of Fabienne and the ‘family’ which she joins, of children and those who care for them, is fiction; but it’s based on disturbing facts with which the author laces the text. That of Hitler’s notorious ‘Final Solution, to murder all Jews across Europe’, for example, which is widely known about. Less well known, however, is the ‘T4 programme of experimenting on and killing the disabled’, for example, which ‘caused over seventy thousand deaths, between 1939 and August 1941, of anyone the Nazis deemed unfit for work’; which is why the author has written this text, in line with his belief that ‘everyone deserves the same chances regardless of race, weight, wealth, sex or disability or anything else that makes us different from the rest’. It’s a well-written book, a page turner, with a clear message and a lesson from history. As I sit here in 2021writing this review with the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics on the TV in the background, it appears that much of the wider world agrees with P G R Wright; but reading his book is a good idea in terms of remembering how very different things might have been. Recommended.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Fabienne

A story of Barnhard and Louis, two friends for life. Louis joins the Nazi party and Barnhard does not believe in it. Barnhard marries and has a daughter while Louis becomes a Nazi officer.

Fabienne is Barnhard’s daughter. She goes to work in a home for disabled children. As Hitler passes his proposition to kill the disabled those running the home hide the children.

The book deals with their flight their escape. Some survive and some do not. Behind the scenes is a Nazi officer wanting revenge on Barnhard and his family. Louis now an officer works to save Fabienne.

You will read about harrowing escapes, heartbreaking losses and how it all ends for the children and their keepers.

I love the story, the ending and the characters. The book is very well written and I do recommend it.

I love the way it leads into the second book and I will be reading it.

[E.L. Haines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best indie historical novels that I have read this year. I love a well-researched novel, and Almighty: Allmachtig definitely met the qualifications. The author really immerses the reader in the pre-WWII setting, and the struggles of the characters really resonate.

Instead of focusing on the Jewish Holocaust, as the vast majority of this genre does, this book instead focuses on the equally tragic eugenics programs and handicapped genocide of the Nazi party.

But it's not all history - the main plot also goes deep into the compelling characters and their interpersonal relationships.

If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss this one!

[Dakota Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book with a great message. It has been a very long time that I’ve read historical fiction, especially having to do with WWII, and this novel was a great way to break that hiatus. I loved the style of writing, concise, yet descriptive enough to paint a picture. The character of Fabienne was believable, captivating, and even though the setting is historical I found that I could relate to the character easily. I love it when an author can engage my emotionally. I highly recommend this book.

[Amy Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almighty: Allmichtig is the story of young Fabienne leaving her toxic home and taking a job caring for disabled children at the Almighty Children's Home. The twist: her story takes place mid-WW2 in a world where Hitler deems the children she loves unworthy of existing.

I have a soft spot for WW2 related fiction. It's my favorite era to study! So, I had high hopes coming into this book, and I was not let down a bit. Wright has managed to craft an original story that even a WW2 fanatic like me hasn't seen before. I found myself holding on to my seat at times, wondering what would happen next! His character creation is also very well done. That's why I'm giving this book a solid 4 stars!

It is very close to a five, though! I just wish it were either split into two books or a much longer book.🙂

8/10 Would recommend.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing this part of history through the lens of the disabled children gave me a whole new understanding of the time. Fabulous narrator, an incredible story. A must read!

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping an abusive father Fabienne flees finding herself a job at Almighty, a house designed to protect and look after the disabled children they know Hitler would see dead. After an eventful day in Berlin Fabienne finds herself tracked down by a German soldier who had seen them. Jurgen wants nothing more than to return the bag she dropped as they ran, and, maybe take the charming young lady to a dance.  But when soldiers' sights fall on killing anyone inferior they are forced to flee, and Jurgen must choose between loyalty and love.

I don't normally read books set in historical periods, but after a friend recommended Almighty : Allmachtig to me I thought I would give it a go, and I am really glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author portrayed the time period, combining it with the Fabienne's own struggles to create a deep and realistic plot that will keep any reader engaged. Atmospheric, descriptive, and filled with twists, turns, and heartbreak, you are plunged into the brutal times of world war 2. From horror and tragedy to romance there is something for everyone. I particularly appreciated how the author was able to provide information about the time and events without it becoming like reading a historical fact sheet, the details were ingrained seamlessly, never too much or little, thus creating a perfect balance for a character-driven plot.

[Fate · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since the last time a book made me hold my breath so much!! This book was so unexpected, it made me feel Fabienne's joy and pain.

The beginning of the book made me think that's it's going to be about Fabienne's coming of age journey but it took so many unexpected turns. It started out as a hope for a new peaceful life to only take turn for the worst. Also Jurgën ..... is so dreamy oh god.

The book made me realize how grim was life during the Nazi's regime and how absolutely inhumane they are. And made me feel anxious as throughout the journey there's a constant need to run, hide and keep on moving. Whenever you think the situation has settled you end up in another suspenseful situation that puts you on edge, there was a great balance between calm and suspense in this story.

While the story was about Fabienne, I find it very fascinating and terrifying how far people would go to simply follow orders or doing "their job" , it's very difficult for Fabienne and any decent person to see the logic behind the Nazi regime and their believes while those who believe in it have the heart to torture others for their own gain but framed for the greater good.

What I loved the most about this book is how it perfectly showcased that most people would go an extra mile to satisfy their own goal, this entire ordeal happened because Hoffman wanted his revenge, he may agree with the regime believes but his most important motive is his personal satisfaction. While Louis had the same issue he at least still had some humanity left in him albeit very little, I truly enjoyed his character as it made me hate him for his believes but also have some sympathy for his humane side and shortcomings.

I'm so glad the children grew up to be the people they are, it was a living proof of how ridiculous the rule they were trying to impost in regards to these children. The ending was satisfying, however it left me with few questions. What happened to Bernard? He managed to escape but where is he? I wish there was a reunion between him and Fabienne, it would've been a great perfect closure.

I throughly enjoyed how the book showed different aspects in life and the human psyche, truly an interesting topic to read about and I wish more books would take the time to do it as well.

[Zowie Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart-Wrenching Triumph of Strength, Secrets, and Survival

I could not put this book down—and I cried all the way through.

From the very first chapter, I was drawn into Fabienne’s world: a young woman trapped in a life of servitude to her cold and emotionally distant father after the loss of her mother. With no love or tenderness in her daily existence, Fabienne’s life is dictated by her father’s unpredictable moods and sky-high expectations. So when she stumbles upon a small advert in the local paper, she seizes it like a lifeline—unaware that it will change her life forever.

What unfolds is a powerful and unforgettable story of one woman’s courage and resilience. Fabienne’s journey is not just one of escape, but of promise—of honouring the past, staying true to her values, and finding her own voice in a world that often tried to silence it.

This is a gripping, emotional rollercoaster that weaves fact and fiction seamlessly. As a reader, I was captivated by the fictional narrative and completely invested in Fabienne’s fate. But what hit hardest were the historical truths threaded through the story—the harrowing, real-life horrors of Hitler’s regime: the brutality, the injustice, the countless innocent lives lost. These moments are not easy to read, but they must be remembered, and the author handles them with sensitivity and clarity.

One of the most impressive elements of the book is the structure. The author masterfully shifts between past and present, slowly revealing the full picture piece by piece. This technique keeps you hooked, hungry for answers, and deeply emotionally engaged. You’re never handed the whole story at once—instead, it’s skillfully drip-fed, which makes the eventual revelations all the more powerful and believable.

This is more than just a novel. It’s a tribute to human resilience, to the power of memory, and to the strength it takes to break cycles of silence.

A truly fantastic read. Unforgettable.
I couldn’t recommend it more strongly.

[Veronica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A fantastic insight into the cruelty of the Third Reich toward disabled children. The best WW II story I have read from a young German girls’ perspective. It’s a truthful account of the hatred Hitler instilled in his nation for disabled and imperfect people.”
I absolutely love the character Fabienne, a young German girl who must flee her, widowed drunken, gambler father after years of abuse since her mother’s death. She decides to leave home and find work outside her village. She finds a job looking after disabled and an autistic child just before the outbreak of World War II. She really loves the work and caring for others. The beautiful old house is on the outskirts of Berlin where they all live together. Fabienne soon realizes that some peoples attitude towards the disabled, particularly the growing Nazi party are cruel as they see disabilities as a blemish on the master race. The lady at the house instills caution in everyone of the girls working in the house to protect the children because of this.
Many young people join the Nazi party but don’t really understand the cruelty of the regimes until they are forced to carry out their orders of killing disabled people and children as well as sending them to concentration camps. Fabienne meets a young soldier who must decide how he will conceal his actions against the regime. There are many cruel characters in this book, but that doesn’t detract from the beautiful story line, wonderful written and so easy to read. As I glide through the pages with its many twists and turns which befell Fabienne, I never feel her resolve weakening to save the children.
When Fabienne finds out that her father is in jail for murdering the Man who tied to rape her she tries to visit him but is not allowed. She also finds out through her friendship with Jurgen that that none of her life was as she thought. Her life’s course goes through every emotion possible.
This is a professionally written, well thought out story with complexed plots, and some ghastly, cruel detailed reality of the world at that time. It is a truly brilliant honest read.
A five-star review is not enough for the pain the author must have gone through to research and write this story.
Well, Done.
Veronica Shaw
Author. September 2021
PGR Wright The Almighty book review 025

[J.M. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging tale of a downtrodden young woman who deals first with her overbearing father and then with the trials brought about by living and working in a home for disabled children in Germany, before and during World War Two.

Fabienne is an endearing main character whose exploits draw the reader into her world. The action gains a faster pace about a third of the way through the book, against a backdrop of persecution of disabled people as the Nazis pursue their goal of a ‘pure Aryan race.’ Then about half way through the book the story switches to Fabienne’s father and his time living during the Nazis’ rise to power. That switch threw me at first, but the backstory is required to understand the later complexities of the relationship between several characters, so it isn’t out of place or unnecessary.

One thing that jarred during my reading is the frequent lack of punctuation at the end of dialogue, making it hard to distinguish between dialogue and narrative: sometimes no period or closing quotation marks, for instance. That could be easily fixed by copyediting and would improve the reading experience, in my view. Apart from that, an enjoyable and engrossing book with a powerful message.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Germany the story starts against the backdrop of the Nazi’s rising to power. Fabienne lives alone with her abusive father, Bernhardt, since her mother died of cancer years ago. Desperate to run away she gets a job as a live in carer at a home for disabled children. Things are going well apart from a scary trip to Berlin where they witness the power of the German army. Inevitably World War 2 starts and with Hitler initiating a plan to exterminate all disabled people the children at the home are all in danger. Fabienne, her friends and children have to go on the run and avoid being captured. While this happens Bernhard is imprisoned for murder with the constant threat of execution. But for some reason the warden is keeping him safe. The reason is soon made clear when Fabienne finds out a secret that effects her family’s life and the Nazi army itself. I enjoyed this story a lot. It was interesting to hear about the lives of some people in Germany during WW2 and how they tried to defy the Nazi government. It was a thrilling read and I’m glad there is a sequel considering how the book ended

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Germany the story starts against the backdrop of the Nazi’s rising to power. Fabienne lives alone with her abusive father, Bernhardt, since her mother died of cancer years ago. Desperate to run away she gets a job as a live in carer at a home for disabled children. Things are going well apart from a scary trip to Berlin where they witness the power of the German army. Inevitably World War 2 starts and with Hitler initiating a plan to exterminate all disabled people the children at the home are all in danger. Fabienne, her friends and children have to go on the run and avoid being captured. While this happens Bernhard is imprisoned for murder with the constant threat of execution. But for some reason the warden is keeping him safe. The reason is soon made clear when Fabienne finds out a secret that effects her family’s life and the Nazi army itself. I enjoyed this story a lot. It was interesting to hear about the lives of some people in Germany during WW2 and how they tried to defy the Nazi government. It was a thrilling read and I’m glad there is a sequel considering how the book ended

[Haris AW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almighty is the book for readers who like period novels, this book is a well-researched drama presented in a scintillating style by Wright. When you pick up a book of this type, you know you are digging into history, spirits and manners of bygone conditions, this book offers you all of it and more!
As a reader, you will walk past world war in realistic detail, Wright author of Almighty has etched characters to keep you hooked until the end. Well, I am hoping for a sequel.
Our protagonist Fabienne is likeable from the beginning, she is a wonderful girl who displays immense courage. Past world war II the trauma of disabled children with incredible human endurance is worth mentioning.
You can feel the emotions of disabled children, their pain, war-torn conditions, location and every moment in this book come alive. Almighty deserves five stars in every department of writing that is a fast-paced novel where every page is worth it's salt.
Hope there is a sequel to this book, I recommend this book for those who are looking forward to looking back into history.

[Julia Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review. All opinions are my own.

This is a very good book. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first as the story initially concentrates on Fabienne and her relationship with the father. After she accepts a job offer, she works with children who have varying disabilities.

Some parts of this book made for uncomfortable reading - the parts in the concentration camps were particularly unsettling. Like most, I have an understanding of what happened during WW2 with the rise of Hitler. However, the author has done a good job of giving the reader some background information of the past events. These are not too detailed that they distract from the plot and just give you enough information to work alongside the story.

The plot moved along at a steady pace and I was thoroughly engaged which kept me turning the pages. I finished this in 2 days which says a lot on how I was enjoying the book as I wanted to keep reading.

A thoroughly good book. Highly recommended.

[Graham Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely reminder and a great read

Almighty: Allmichtig is set just before the outbreak of the Second World War and is about Fabienne, a young German woman who escapes her family home and starts work looking after disabled children. She falls in love with Jurgen, a German soldier as the Nazi regime declares the disabled to be inferior specimens of the human race What follows is the page-turning story of the children’s fight to survive, and the journey is full of action and bravery, twists and turns.

No matter if you have read a lot of historical fiction set in this time period, this is an original, touchingly-written nail-biting story of love and hope triumphing over evil, with a cliff-hanger of an ending.

The subject matter deals with a little-known and talked-about aspect of the time, and a reminder of the crimes against humanity that can be normalised with abuses of power when a despicable regime gains control of a country.

This is a dramatic story, with compelling characters that will keep you engaged from start to end.

[Jason Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an account of how evil the Nazi regime was in the late 1930s and how terrifying it was for people, specially Jews and the disabled who try and avoid certain death just for being different.

Wright wanted to explain what it was like in this book as it's a topic of fascination for him. He nicely invents characters that you follow and become fond of as you read on. The Allmachtig is a care home for disabled children, disguised as a farm house to fool Nazi soldiers, outside the town of Kopenic in Germany. The leading character, Fabienne, becomes a nurse there.

Although Fabienne fears her bitter father will find her and force her back home to do his chores, the prospect of being discovered by Nazi soldiers trying to rid Germany of the disabled, and being branded a traitor, is far scarier.

I very much recommend you read this, it's fascinating how Wright describes the horrific life in Nazi concentration camps and you read on in suspense hoping that the leading characters can escape a fearful demise.

[Aubrey Cleeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hard-hitting and important read, covering the darkest era of history with a human touch and without a filter. The author has introduced some interesting and complex characters, some of which were unexpected, especially the attitude of a commander in the second half.

There is a great deal of horrible events in this book which primary sources show really happened. This made the book and to stomach at times but that is why it is so important. The violence was hard hitting and not over the top, which made me think the author had respect for the subject matter and the people who suffered at the hands of this regime. There are a lot of characters in this book, with Fabienne and Jurgen as standouts, as well as the aforementioned commander and others we meet in the later stages. The conclusion felt right and fitting, with the author wrapping up some loose ends and giving us a glimpse of what happened to some of the characters.

This isn't for the faint hearted but those want knowledge and understanding would benefit greatly from this book.

[Aimee Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5
*No spoilers*
I have always struggled with history throughout high school. Remembering the dates and when certain events occurred. With this being said, I absolutely fell in love with this story. There were no parts that were boring. Right away you are dragged into Fabienne’s life- her struggles, her journey, her courage, and the individuals she interacts with throughout the story. Individuals do not need to be a history buff or have to know all the background details to enjoy this book. This book has many great characters, all of which are well developed. I think that is one thing that makes this even more interesting. You get to see Fabienne grow as a character as she encounters certain events, from working with children with disabilities and going through WWII. Overall, this is a great read and anyone that might be on the fence about it. Please grab this book, you will absolutely love it even if you may or may not be a history buff.

[S.S. Saywack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read (if that can be said of reading about the Nazi death camps and their policy towards children with disabilities). It covers a very sad time where, for a brief period, this madness reigned and deals with the bravery of a few who saw it their duty to look after and try to save some of theses unfortunate children. The book leaves a sour taste in the mouth that this inhumanity once happened. At the very end we are left with the interesting truth, that each life has a purpose. While that insanity of the T4 programme of extermination forms the background, the story revolves around family issues and how the past affects the present. The author does not hold back and there are unexpected twists and turns throughout, even when you know that things will happen, you are compelled to read on, nevertheless. The book adds to, and sits well, with the canon of stories dedicated to that period of history. It’s a recommended read.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic tale of WW2 life!

After her mother's death, Fabienne's life with her father consisted of fetching and carrying, tending to his every whim. He was an angry man, showing no emotions, no love and his expectations were high. So when a small advert in local paper caught her eye, Fabienne jumped at the chance to change her life, forever.
A fantastic story of one woman's fight against all odds to keep true to her beliefs and honour a promise. This gripping storyline takes you on a journey of mixed emotions through a Web of fact and fiction. You love the fictional story but the historical facts of how people were brutally treated and needlessly killed under Hitler's regime is hard to digest. I love how the author flicks from present to passed, not giving you all the information at once, drip feeding you which makes it all the more interesting and believable. Great read, strongly recommended.

[Darla Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is set in the period of the outbreak of World War 2. Although the novel mainly follows the story of Fabienne, it is interlaced with relevant background events related to historical developments and other key protagonists. It is a fast paced book, with multiple twists and turns that locked me into the developing story from the start.
These were grim times as an evil regime developed its 'final solution' and there are many upsetting scenes depicted in the book, though the graphic horrors are mainly left to the readers imagination. It is a powerful story that is well written and I thoroughly recommend this book.
If your looking for an absorbing story with multiple plot twists, this may be for you.

[Joshua Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping WW2 story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this one! It's always an interesting read when it's a story from a historical event such as world war two from the victims. This one grabs you from the get go as Fabienne runs away from her abusive dad and goes to work at a home for disabled children. She's enjoying her new job and home until the Nazi regime started hunting disabled people, intent on killing them for being inferior. As the story unfolds, there's more going on behind the scenes as plots of revenge unfolds, with Fabienne and the children caught in the crosshairs. There's plenty action, drama, and a few surprises that will keep you turning the pages just to see how it plays out. I highly recommend this one!

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right the thing that had been wronged

Great rendition to a WW2 story. There has been countless stories and movies made on WW2 but nothing as intense or sorrowful as this author's story. I was moved in countless ways as the story of one woman's courage and determination to help the less fortunate children during the afflictions of Hitler's cruel mistreatment of Jews and all disabled children. Fortunately, one woman overcomes adversity and triumphs to the end saving the children from a pending death. It is hard to read about historical trauma's such as about wars of any kind but this story goes beyond the cataclysm of war and touches the inner hearts of something good. The wrongs of the war spurred a silver lining.

[C. A. Deegan]

Harrowing but brilliant!

Set during the run up to and during World War 2 in Germany, this story really got to me.  I had no idea about the T4 program run during this period and it makes for a grim but cleverly portrayed read.  Thank goodness for the characters in this book; thoroughly done with clever twists and turns from the past that you don’t see coming at all.  The descriptions of the concentration camps are gripping and really show the horror that people went through.  The scenes are believable and show the grip that the Nazi’s had on occupied Europe during this terrible period of our history.  Recommended read for anyone who enjoys war time tales; this one is something different.